Freedom Fighters: Billy Blackwell

Billy Blackwell joined the Army Air Force at the age of 17 in 1948. Two years later he was sent to Korea as a gunner on a B-29 Bomber.

Before leaving Korea, he had completed 43 combat missions and had been wounded on one of them. The wound was his right arm. At the time a splint was put on his arm and he was sent back into combat. It was to give him a great deal of pain later.

Blackwell returned to civilian life in 1958. Today at the age of 80, he says of that time, "We were there to do a job and we did it."

The Tyler ISD board has approved the renderings of renovation plans for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. In May, a $198 million-dollar proposal was passed with 83% of Tyler residents in favor. According to Tim Loper, Tyler ISD’s Director of Facility Services, the plans are designed to give both campuses a new face, have a 21st century design, enhance current programs, and ease traffic flow in the surrounding areas. Cameras are currently used in the high schools, but...More >>

The Tyler ISD board has approved the renderings of renovation plans for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. In May, a $198 million-dollar proposal was passed with 83% of Tyler residents in favor. According to Tim Loper, Tyler ISD’s Director of Facility Services, the plans are designed to give both campuses a new face, have a 21st century design, enhance current programs, and ease traffic flow in the surrounding areas. Cameras are currently used in the high schools, but...More >>